New Delhi, September 11: South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SACCI) President Mtho Xulu has called for the institutionalisation of BRICS through a permanent secretariat to strengthen coordination and ensure implementation of decisions taken by member countries.
Xulu, who also chairs the BRICS Trade and Investment Working Group, said the grouping needs a mechanism to drive implementation of its decisions.He praised India’s leadership during its BRICS presidency, saying it had brought together the views of member countries and helped secure unanimous adoption of the annual report.
Xulu also highlighted the economic ties between India and South Africa, saying cooperation between the two countries existed even before the formation of BRICS. He noted that companies from both countries are engaged in trade and investment and said there is scope for further cooperation.
He identified digital trade and infrastructure as key areas for expanding economic links among BRICS members. According to Xulu, digital platforms can help businesses understand markets, systems and investment opportunities across member countries.
He also called for BRICS members to use their regional reach to expand economic opportunities, with South Africa helping connect BRICS with African markets, Indonesia with ASEAN and the UAE with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).